What was your RADS Simulation Like?

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Sparrow
Sparrow Member Posts: 262
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
What was your RADS Simulation Like?
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  • Sparrow
    Sparrow Member Posts: 262
    edited November 2009

    I have two of them coming up.  The first one is a CT Scan 11/10 and then an 'Acuity Simulation' 11/17 with rads starting the next day.

    I had a breast MRI before surgery.  I'm not claustrophobic but I do get anxiety and panic attacks whenever I have a doctor's appointment, it's worse when I have to be scanned by some weird, loud sci-fi looking machine.  My MRI lasted about 45 minutes, I think and by the end I just wanted out of there!  I had taken Xanax and Klonopin beforehand but it got increasingly harder to stay still and I started to hyperventilate a little.

    My husband is taking me to both simulations so I can be 'medicated' again and not have to drive. Whew!  ;)

    I guess what I'm asking is, are these simulations scary at all?  How many people are in the room?  Will they draw on me with markers at both sessions?  How long does a CT Scan take?

    Ugh...  I used to be such a rational person before BC. :p 

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  • LJ13-2
    LJ13-2 Member Posts: 235
    edited November 2009

    I didn't find them at all scary and the simulation is not enclosed or claustrophobia-inducing.

    But it was difficult to hold that position (arm up over head + face turned to left) for 40-plus minutes.

    I'd add some Tylenol to the coctail. I was just 6 weeks out from surgery, so I did not have full range of  motion back and the position was pretty uncomfortable.

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  • Faith316
    Faith316 Member Posts: 2,431
    edited November 2009

    The CT scan was really quick.  Can't recall exactly how long, but no more than 5 minutes at most and I actually don't think it was even that long.  The simulation was no big deal at all.  The techs were in there right beside me the whole time and it took very little time.  Nowhere near the 40 plus minutes that LJ13-2 had.  I don't think it was more than 15 minutes.  They just put a few small Xs  on me with a blue sharpie.  I, too, am very claustrophobic and hate MRIs.  But, my radiation treatments did not cause me any claustrophobia.  I was never enclosed in any way.  The machine had an arm that kind of rotated around me but it didn't get close to me and I never felt closed in at all.  It was quick.  I think each rads treatment only took about 12 minutes and probably 3 or 4 of those were getting me lined up correctly on the table.

    Trust me.  I am REALLY claustrophobic but found the rads simulation and actual rads treatments to be easy.  If I can do it, anybody can.  Hope this eases your mind some.  The unknown is the worst part.  You will be fine.

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  • LJ13-2
    LJ13-2 Member Posts: 235
    edited November 2009
    Wow. 15 minutes. You are so lucky  Smile
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  • Bren-2007
    Bren-2007 Member Posts: 6,241
    edited November 2009

    Hi Sparrow,

      The CT for rads simulation is not enclosed.  It's like a donut and you slide into the hole.  I was freaked for mine, as I had never had a CT before.  My entire "simulation" took a long time and was very uncomfortable for me.  The techs created a type of "paper mache" thing for me to lock my arm in above my head during radiation.  That hurt as it was just a few weeks post lumpectomy.  The tattoos didn't hurt either.  Every rad center is different in their protocol for how the rads are simulated and positioning on the table. 

       It helped me a lot to see the rad room before I started treatment.  I was still scared, but I knew what to expect and what the room and machine looked like ahead of time.

    Best wishes to you,

    Bren

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  • Lindissima
    Lindissima Member Posts: 239
    edited November 2009

    Sparrow,

    I found holding one position for a long time during the planning phase to be uncomfortable, but very tolerable. If you still have residual pain from surgery, the tylenol previously suggested is a good idea. The tatoos were quick and  not painful at all.  (and only one of mine is even visible)  The CT, my first, wasn't bad either.  Donut hole, so I didn't feel claustrophobic. 

    My center has a lovely illuminated map of the night sky overhead  to look at while one gets treatment.  They also played relaxing music. I agree with Bren, get a peek at the room and ask if they play music.  Some places even let you bring in your own CD's. The tech's were super friendly and suportive too.  All in all, for me, the easiest part of the whole thing.

    You will be fine.  Take care and  let us know how it went. 

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  • idaho
    idaho Member Posts: 1,187
    edited November 2009

    As far as I am concerned you have been throught the worst part... MRI... cat scan and simulation  a piece of cake compared to that.. health and peace to you..Tami

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  • shelleyr25
    shelleyr25 Member Posts: 107
    edited November 2009

    I am going for mine tomorrow and when I heard "scan", I immediatly said that I would need Valium because I am extrememly clostrophobic. My rads onc said it is only a quick thing through a donut hole type of machine and that I would be fine. I will let you guys know tomorrow night!! ;)

    Good luck with yours Sparrow!

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  • blondie45
    blondie45 Member Posts: 580
    edited November 2009

    I think my entire process was about 45 minutes. I think my arms were above my head for about 20 to 25 minutes, which for me was (*&*(& because I have fibro and my arms numb up when they are like that for any extended period of time. I had 7 tattoos as I had mastecomy but tumor was on/very near the chest wall and had positive nodes, therefore, the rads. The tattoos did not hurt at all. The one they did maybe about 6 to 8 inches below my neck in the middle was the only one that stung a little, the rest were entirely painless. They are only the size of a pinhead or similar to that. The machine was NOTHING like the MRI machine, as I had MRI of breast and MRI of liver before my surgery and treatments. You shouldn't be enclosed in anything for the stimulation and setting up.

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  • lexislove
    lexislove Member Posts: 2,645
    edited November 2009

    Took about 1/2 an hour.

     It was easy peasy, but the arms above the head was uncomfortable especially because I had my first fill of my tissue expander that morning!!!..lol. Pure joy.

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  • Sparrow
    Sparrow Member Posts: 262
    edited November 2009

    Thanks, you guys, for all the tips and info!!  I think I'll be able to live through it now...  ;)  Boy, what a baby I am sometimes!  :)

     Good luck tomorrow, Shelley!!!  :)  Be sure and tell us how it went!    

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  • Sparrow
    Sparrow Member Posts: 262
    edited November 2009

    I just wanted to post a follow-up for any newbies who might be reading this-  the CT scan was not scary at all, just like everyone said. It wasn't even uncomfortable since I'm pretty well healed by now.

    It took about 15 minutes and I had two very nice techs.  They drew on me with a sharpie but I wore an old t-shirt with no bra with and a hoodie over it, so no clothing damage was done. The machine was not intimidating in the least.  

    DH took me out for a nice breakfast afterwards.  :D   Not a bad experience at all. 

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